jkeller
Well-known member
I'm looking at a used horizontal bandsaw tonight but I don't have any experience with them, anyone have some advice on things to check besides whether it runs or not?
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Tips on buying used horizontal bandsaw?
- Thread starter jkeller
- Start date
I am assuming you are speaking of a metal cutting bandsaw.
I bought mine new (already assembled), but i can think of a few things i would check.
1. it runs
2. the gearbox doesn't make noise.
3. the blade tracks correctly both when running dry and when cutting material.
4. i would take a piece of scrap rod or steel with me and see how it cuts. If it is a good machine, the seller shouldn''t mind at all, unless he's hiding something.
5. look it over good and make sure there are no cracks in the cast iron. I looked at a few where the arm which the spring is attached to had a hairline crack (barely noticeable), but i guess it depends on what brand you're looking at, some don't have a spring for reducing down pressure, mine does.
6. listen for noise in the wheel bearings. should be quiet. mine makes very little sound till it's cutting.
that's all i can think of.
good luck
I bought mine new (already assembled), but i can think of a few things i would check.
1. it runs
2. the gearbox doesn't make noise.
3. the blade tracks correctly both when running dry and when cutting material.
4. i would take a piece of scrap rod or steel with me and see how it cuts. If it is a good machine, the seller shouldn''t mind at all, unless he's hiding something.
5. look it over good and make sure there are no cracks in the cast iron. I looked at a few where the arm which the spring is attached to had a hairline crack (barely noticeable), but i guess it depends on what brand you're looking at, some don't have a spring for reducing down pressure, mine does.
6. listen for noise in the wheel bearings. should be quiet. mine makes very little sound till it's cutting.
that's all i can think of.
good luck
Last edited:
wellpoison
Well-known member
Check the cylinder as well. Idk if all models have them but there should be a tensioner on the cylinder that controls the rate at which the blade falls to help control pressure on the blade.
PCO6
Well-known member
The above is good. If the blade isn't tracking properly ask him how to adjust it. It's quite easy but a lot of guys don't take the time to figure it out. Some get frustrated and that's why they decide to get rid of their saw.
Don't let the lousy stand scare you off. They're all bad. Making a new one can be your first project.
Don't let the lousy stand scare you off. They're all bad. Making a new one can be your first project.
gus1962
Well-known member
Check this blog what to look for in Used band saw !
Ign
Well-known member
Make sure the blade guides aren't trashed. They can be hard to find for old or import models, or just expensive. If it's a quality saw like a DoAll or RollIn or Ellis you should be able to get parts, but the price should reflect the need.
As said, make sure it cuts square. Take at least a piece of 2" square tube, preferably 1/4" wall. Do a cut and then put a tri-square to it. If it's off you'll have to decide if the guides simply need adjustment, or if they need replaced.
If it has a coolant pump that should work or, again, the price should be reflective.
Unless you have a good source locally for blade welding, it should take a blade length that is common and readily available.
As said, make sure it cuts square. Take at least a piece of 2" square tube, preferably 1/4" wall. Do a cut and then put a tri-square to it. If it's off you'll have to decide if the guides simply need adjustment, or if they need replaced.
If it has a coolant pump that should work or, again, the price should be reflective.
Unless you have a good source locally for blade welding, it should take a blade length that is common and readily available.
383 240z
Well-known member
Even the cheap *** HF band saws use cheap and easy to find bearings. I just replaced all 6 of mine for about $4 a bearing. Like others said, cracks in the castings. make a test cut and see how square it is. If it's off, negotiate a better price, the adjustments are easy. It should be pretty quiet when running dry. Keith
Caterpillar Cowboy
Well-known member
I got my Ellis at an estate auction for $550. Came with 3 sets of blades. Depending on the price I would be okay with having to replace a part or two on it. You might get lucky like I did and not have to and have a real good day!
gus1962
Well-known member
Are you doing big projects? Do you have projects that involves cutting metals, tubings?